The Velvet Box

The next morning Sonia was surprised to receive a note from Richard saying there would be a rehearsal that afternoon at two o’clock. She arrived at the theater on time and went straight to the rehearsal room, where Charlotte engaged her in conversation as soon as she walked through the door. “I see you got Mr. Neville’s message,” said Charlotte as she took Sonia aside to talk more intimately with her. “I was shocked when I received mine,” she added. “I was surprised too,” replied Sonia. “But it looks like Richard, _I mean, Mr. Neville_ hasn’t given up yet on the production.” Just then, they heard the door open, and Peter came in, followed by Miss Fisher, with a young man neither of them had seen before. He was well over six feet tall and extremely handsome. His piercing blue eyes appeared to go straight through Sonia. She also admired his well-defined and classical features, including his high forehead, his straight nose, and his pointed chin, all of which was crowned by a magnificent head of thick dark red waves of hair. Sonia, who did not understand what was happening to her, was frozen in time and couldn’t take her eyes off him. “Who is that?” she whispered to Charlotte in an awestruck voice. “I don’t know,” replied Charlotte apprehensively. “Handsome though, isn’t he?” She could see how much Sonia liked him. “I’ve never seen anyone like him,” replied Sonia in disbelief. “I have. In the British Museum,” Charlotte said. “But then he didn’t have any clothes on,” she added laughing. Sonia blushed and both women had to cover their mouths to suppress their laughter. “Miss Gordon! Miss Grey! Do I constantly have to remind you that this is a rehearsal hall?” exclaimed Miss Fisher in an angry voice. “We were just inquiring about the redheaded Apollo,” replied Charlotte. “The redheaded Apollo, as you call him, is Mr. Russell’s understudy, Mr. Ian Lennox,” Miss Fisher replied quickly. “Mr. Russell doesn’t need an understudy, he —” “Because of Mr. Russell’s performance last night, this production is in danger!” interrupted Miss Fisher sharply, “If Mr. Neville feels that Mr. Russell needs an understudy, then an understudy he will have! It is not up to you, Miss Grey, to make that decision. Nor do you have the right to question Mr. Neville’s authority.” “Miss Fisher, I didn’t mean—” Charlotte began. “Miss Gordon! Please get ready for the balcony scene before Mr. Neville arrives,” she said completely ignoring Charlotte’s apology. “Yes, Miss Fisher,” replied Sonia quickly, who was frightened by her outburst. Sonia and Peter took their places for the balcony scene and waited for Richard to arrive. Richard soon arrived without saying a word, but Sonia could see just how pale and fatigued he looked. He went over to his accustomed table and once he had settled down, he asked Peter and Sonia to proceed. As the scene progressed, Peter was still uncomfortable with the scene. Even though Peter was in his mid-twenties, he lacked the youthful innocence the part demanded. Richard must have thought the same because he stopped them in the middle of the scene and asked Peter if Ian Lennox could try it. “By all means, sir,” replied Peter happily, who was secretly relieved. “Mr. Lennox, if you would assume Mr. Russell’s position on stage,” said Richard in his businesslike voice. As Peter stepped down, Ian took his place on stage. Sonia was now able to examine him more closely. Up until now, Richard was the handsomest man she’d ever known. Now all that changed, as she looked upon this young man, who was so different from Richard. Even his eyes were a deeper shade of blue, almost violet. Sonia remained focused on those deep blue eyes and had to stop the urge to touch his glorious locks of dark red hair. She was awakened from this hypnosis when she heard Richard’s voice saying, “Ready when you are, Sonia.” Ian and Sonia began the balcony scene. Ian’s diction and manners were perfect. His lines came naturally to him, as though he alone was meant to say them with his youthful intensity and poetic grace. Indeed, Ian used his voice like a delicate string instrument to woo Juliet’s heart. He also embraced and caressed her at certain intervals but was careful not to do anything that would be considered inappropriate. Sonia for her part was like a willow bending to the wind’s command but still sustaining her own purpose. When they were finished there was no sound whatsoever, except for the beating of their own hearts. Then they realized that no one had said anything to them. A terrible fear and dread filled both of them as they looked around the room for reassurance. They found Richard looking rejuvenated, Charlotte filled with admiration, and Peter utterly impressed. The only one who appeared displeased was Miss Fisher. “Mr. Neville, sir, did we do something wrong?” asked Ian finally. “No, of course not,” replied Richard happily. “It was excel—” “On the contrary, Mr. Neville,” interrupted Miss Fisher adamantly. “The public cannot be subjected to this, this vulgar display!” she replied highly offended. “I think it is quite unsuitable for this theater,” she added with an authoritarian voice. “When I need your advice, Sarah, I’ll ask for it!” snapped Richard. Everyone in the room was taken aback by this outburst but no one more than Miss Fisher was. In all the years she’d been there, Sarah had never known Richard to raise his voice to her, let alone speak to her in such a manner publicly. She had suffered many slights and insults over the years, but now after being rejected by Richard many times in private she was not going to suffer this indignity from him in public. “Very well, Mr. Neville,” replied Sarah coolly. “You may do as you please.” With an undercurrent of bitterness, she got up from the table. To everyone’s astonishment she left the rehearsal room without a word, but her silence made the situation all too clear. Richard’s rejuvenated look was gone and was replaced by a haggard expression. Richard knew he’d have to apologize to her later, but right now, the production had to come first. “It was excellent,” he continued as though nothing had happened. “However, Mr. Lennox, I would tame your passion if I were you. Remember, there’ll be ladies in the audience and we don’t want to give the Bank of England another reason to close this production,” said Richard cautiously. “Other than that you did fine,” he added brightly.